Paloma With Grapefruit And Black Salt Rim Cocktail Recipe

I love how a Paloma brings together sweet, tart, and salty flavors in every sip. The combo of bright grapefruit juice and smooth tequila just hits the spot, and it’s honestly so easy to throw together at home.

Adding a black salt rim? That’s a bold move—it really amps up the citrus and gives the drink this subtle, smoky edge I can’t get enough of.

When I mix up this cocktail, I stick to simple ingredients and keep the presentation clean. That black salt rim isn’t just for looks; it deepens the flavor and makes the glass look pretty sharp.

Whether you’re winding down after a long day or having friends over, this Paloma recipe brings a little style—without making you work for it.

Paloma With Grapefruit And Black Salt Rim Cocktail Recipe

I like how this Paloma lets the grapefruit shine next to the tequila and just a bit of salt. The drink feels crisp, especially with that black salt rim giving it a little earthy kick.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker for mixing everything together.
• Jigger or some kind of measuring tool—eyeballing it is risky.
• Citrus juicer to get fresh grapefruit and lime juice.
• Small plate for the black salt to rim your glass.
• Rocks glass or highball glass—whichever you prefer.
• Bar spoon if you’d rather stir than shake.
• Strainer to keep ice and pulp out of your glass.
• Knife and cutting board for the garnishes.

I always make sure my tools are clean and ready before I start. Honestly, having the right stuff just makes the whole thing smoother.

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila or mezcal if you’re into smokier flavors
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz agave nectar or simple syrup
• 2–3 oz sparkling water, soda water, or club soda
• Black salt or coarse salt for the rim
• Grapefruit wheel or lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes for shaking and serving

I always reach for fresh juice—it just makes the Paloma taste cleaner and brighter. The agave adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tartness.

Instructions

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
• Dip the rim in black salt so it’s coated all the way around.
• Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
• Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar to your shaker.
• Toss in some ice and shake for about 10 seconds.
• Strain the mix into your prepared glass.
• Top it off with sparkling water or club soda.
• Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a grapefruit wheel or lime wedge.

I usually taste it before serving, just to see if it needs a little more lime or agave. Sometimes you’ve got to trust your palate.

Notes

I go with silver tequila for a clean flavor, but if I’m craving something smoky, mezcal does the trick. That black salt rim isn’t just a pretty face—it adds a mild mineral note that plays off the citrus.

When I want a lighter drink, I add more soda water. If I’m in the mood for sweeter, I just bump up the agave a bit. Seriously, using fresh grapefruit juice makes the whole drink pop with brightness and aroma.

Tasting Notes

The first sip hits with a crisp, citrusy sparkle from the grapefruit. It’s light and bright, kind of like a classic Paloma, but the black salt rim brings in this gentle earthiness that balances out the tartness.

The grapefruit juice really adds a clean bitterness, keeping things super refreshing. I love how the bubbles from the soda just lift everything—it’s honestly ideal for an easy happy hour drink.

As the ice starts to melt, the flavors mellow out a bit. I get more of the tequila’s warmth coming through, and it blends smoothly with all that citrus.

That salty rim lingers on my lips, leaving a savory finish. It’s the kind of touch that makes me want to go back for another sip.

Each flavor pops—sweet, tart, and salty—but none of them takes over. Honestly, it’s a balanced, refreshing citrusy cocktail that feels bright but still grounded.